At the White House, President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden hosted the Kenyan President for a gala state dinner, marking the first state dinner for a leader of an African nation in nearly two decades. This event is the fifth state dinner of Biden's presidency, drawing the attendance of prominent figures from American business and government.
The distinguished guests gathered on the South Lawn to welcome the two leaders, where they were treated to a lavish surf and turf dinner under the evening sky. Notably absent were the Obamas, although President Obama had a productive meeting with President Ruto at Blair House earlier in the day. Their discussions covered various topics, including climate issues.
During the state dinner, Presidents Ruto and Biden reaffirmed their commitment to key issues such as democracy, global security, and commerce. A significant focus of the visit was the shared goal of countering China's influence on the African continent. Both leaders emphasized the importance of sustainable partnerships with American businesses and other international allies.